Lovely Lane Chapter 4 – HOLIDAYS

THANKSGIVING

The CK express takes the kids to the farm. They walk into the house and are surrounded by the aromas of a home cooked Thanksgiving dinner. Ah, nothing like it!

"Mom, dad, we are here!" Hugs and kisses all around. "What can we do to help?" Lana asks.

"Setting the table would be nice," mom responds.

Clark shows Lana where the good china resides, and they get to work. She shows Clark how to elegantly fold a cloth napkin and place it in a wine glass. He tries, and bungles it. She giggles and takes over that task. When finished they step back, admire their work, and congratulate each other with a kiss. "Done, mom."

"Thanks, kids. Clark, can you find dad and tell him we are 30 minutes out. He needs to start preparing to carve the turkey. Lana, can you join me in the kitchen?"

She does and finds mom putting the finishing touches on the mashed potatoes.

"Lana dear, can you turn the burner on under the green beans? Then get the rolls out of the fridge and prep them to go into the oven to warm? There is a cookie sheet in the narrow cupboard just to the left of the sink."

"On it."

"Thanks."

"No problem."

Shortly Jonathon starts carving, they transfer food to the table and take their places.

Dad asks, "Who would like to start by telling us all what you are thankful for, during this past year?"

"May I start?" Lana speaks up.

Certainly," dad motions for her to begin.

"I am so grateful that Clark and I have cleared the air between us. We have dropped the shroud of secrecy and are now totally on the same page!" She looks at Clark and grins.

Clark picks up the topic. "I am so relieved, and extremely happy, that Lana and I have finally gotten together. We have expressed our mutual love; and with her new found magic abilities, we can fully support each other going forward!"

Mom is next, "I am so happy to welcome Lana to this table. I am hopeful that we will need more place settings in the not-too-distant future!" She grins, Lana groans, Clark blushes, dad rolls his eyes.

Dad's turn, "I too am pleased that Lana is joining us. Another year of health and prosperity is a real blessing. I hope and pray that these wonderful kids will have another successful year of learning and that their relationship will grow and mature. Blessings to all of us."

Clark and Lana stayed overnight, flying back to Metropolis after breakfast Friday morning. They had signed up for shifts at the restaurant over the weekend. Then they had 3 weeks of school, with some semester finals before Christmas break.

CHRISTMAS

The kids were spending 4 days at the farm over Christmas. Mom had made them new flying suits, and they were anxious to see them and try them out. They had arrived the day before Christmas eve, and it was all Martha could do to keep the suits wrapped and under the tree. Only a mother could do that.

Christmas eve they all attended a midnight service at the downtown United Methodist church. Clark & Lana had gotten each other matching outfits; Martha relented and allowed them to open those presents and wear them to the service.

Lana wore a burgundy silk blouse, dark grey slacks, black boots and an ankle length black coat.

Clark wore a forest green sweater over a white button up shirt; dark grey slacks, black boots and a black leather jacket.

After the service they retired to the farm; hot chocolate in front of a fire in the fireplace was enjoyed by all before they retired for a few hours of sleep.

Christmas morning was a special breakfast with Clark's specialty – egg waffles, along with Martha's special cheesy scrambled eggs plus hash browns and bacon. Everyone ate until they groaned. Clark had never made these waffles for Lana and she was blown away. "I didn't know you could cook like this," she sputtered.

"Well, I have a few specialties, very few. So don't get too excited, babe. You probably could get me to cook them again, with the proper incentive." He wiggled his eyebrows.

"Any clues as to what incentives work best?"

"Later."

"Ok, I'll ask again."

"I'm sure."

They retired to the LR and sat in front of the tree. Clark and Lana wanted to give each other a present that would show their commitment to each other. So, they had gone shopping together. They cruised two malls, paying attention to options that caught their eyes. They noticed Promise Rings, and discussed that possibility. They had nothing against rings, but since those particular rings were seldom used, they were not anxious to answer the questions that would inevitably be raised. They kept on looking.

They settled on what they thought of as "Promise Bracelets". A nice, somewhat fancy silver bracelet with the name of their boyfriend/girlfriend engraved on them. Clark's bracelet would read 'Lana', hers would read 'Clark'. They were pleased with the result.

The folks got them a couple of small kitchen appliances. One was a waffle iron, hint-hint. Lana would make sure that got used! The other was a toaster, with slots large enough to do bagels, a family favorite.

The next day Clark and Lana did the chores around the farm, giving dad a welcomed day off. They all enjoyed lunch and supper together; then back to Metropolis via the CK express.

NEW YEAR'S EVE

Paolo & Maria had advertised a special New Year's Eve dinner at the restaurant. There would be special food items, live music and dancing. Clark and Lana had signed up to work from 18:00 to 1:00, after midnight. They had been assured of food, drinks, and some time on the dance floor. To make room for the musicians and the small dance floor, seating was limited and reservations assured standing-room-only. The place was packed, and the kids were hustling all evening. They got 2 10" breaks, not together, and 1 20" break when they could wolf down some food and do a little dancing. They skipped the food (hoping there would be some left-overs to take home), and spent the 20" dancing. They didn't get to do this very often; it was a real treat.

Just before midnight they passed out small flutes, filled them with champagne, and toasted the new year at 24:00! Happy New Year kisses topped off the night.

The place emptied out quickly and they sat with the owners for a few minutes to catch their breath. Then the foursome got back to work; cleared and cleansed tables, picked up trash, dismantled the dance floor, vacuumed and swabbed, put tables & chairs back in their usual arrangement, packed up some food for Clark and Lana.

After voluminous thanks, the kids skedaddled home and put the leftovers in the fridge. They then collapsed in each other's arms and quickly fell into a deep and restful sleep.

The next day they watched the Rose parade from Pasadena, CA while eating a leisurely breakfast. They had toasted bagels, of course. While he watched football, she did some more reading about magic, taking notes and deciding what practicing she needed to do. She had some surprises in store for him! She grins, he notices.

"What ya got up your sleeve, babe?"

"Nothing, much."

"I don't believe you."

"You shouldn't."

"Will I get a warning?"

"Nope." The grin gets bigger.

"Will I like it?"

"Absolutely!"

"Hm, I better be on guard."

"You better. You know me!"

"Exactly."

The next day is Friday, classes start Monday. The CK express takes them back to the farm. Lana wants some teleporting practice where they have some privacy. Martha volunteers to do some tandem traveling with Lana, Jonathon declines. They go out to the north 40 and set up.

Clark, mom and dad sit on camp stools they have bought along. Lana does some solo teleporting, gradually increasing her range to where she can go from the pasture to a specific room in the house or the loft in the barn. Then she teams up with Clark or mom and duplicates her success. Then she looks invitingly at dad; he agrees to 1 trip. She takes him to the master bedroom and back. All are excited for her! They regroup in the kitchen for some pie and coffee.

"Lana, do you think that you need to be in physical contact to teleport another person with you?" Martha asks.

"I don't know, I had never thought about that. Shall we try?"

"Yes, try sending dad and I up to the MBR."

"OK." Lana concentrates, imagines and thinks appropriately, and poof mom and dad disappear. She hears mom shout, "YES, it worked! Now bring us back down." Lana concentrates, and there they are, right back where they started.

"That is impressive," Jonathon admits.

"Sweetheart, I am so proud of you!" Clark gushes. "That surely will come in handy before you know it."

"Well, we shall see."

VALENTINES DAY

Paulo & Maria host their favorite couple for a candlelight dinner – for the four of them. A private affair after the patrons for the evening have left. Maria cooks her family favorite, chicken parm. With artichoke hearts, thinly sliced mushrooms and capers in a light vinaigrette and bread. Paired with the appropriate wine and finished off with Tiramisu, of course.

They push the tables and chairs back, pull out a small dance floor, dim the lights and turn on the stereo. The gentlemen dance with their partners, then switch for 1 song. It is the kind of romantic evening Lana has dreamt about since she was a little girl! She nestles in Clark's arms and dreams the night away.

AT HOME

"Clark, what are we going to do for spring break?"

"I don't know, I hadn't thought about it. Do you have a request?"

"The EYE."

"The what?"

"The EYE, on the Santa Monica pier. You know, in California."

"I know where California is, babe."

"I'm sure you do. I've wanted to ride the EYE for a long time."

"That's just a big Ferris wheel, isn't it?"

"Have you seen pictures, or a brochure?"

"No, but I'm sure I will momentarily!"

"Jerk!" She rolls over to face the wall.

He wraps an arm around her waist and pulls her to him. "Hey, I'm sorry. I was just teasing you. I have been interested in trying surfing for a while."

"I know, about the teasing that is. So, we can go?" She rolls back over to face him, with a smile.

"Yeah. Do you want to set it up?"

"I'm on it, first thing in the morning."

They share several deep kisses, tongue and all.

"Thank you, my love," Lana whispers. "Good night sweetie!"

"Good night, sweetheart. I am sure we will have a great time."

IF THEY ONLY KNEW!

TBC